Scope
Description
HM Coastguard (HMCG) helicopters and planes, provided under the UKSAR2G contract, have a primary role to provide search and rescue. However, they undertake a range of other missions in support of wider MCA objectives and those of other government departments.
In addition the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) require an Aerial Surveillance service to provide near real time situational awareness in support of specialised SAR operations.
Therefore the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is planning to undertake a procurement for this additional Aerial Surveillance service. HMCG will procure for intelligence, search, surveillance and reconnaissance assets that can supply the information required. This service will not require national coverage.
Potentially, during a high-risk times, a Coastguard surveillance asset could be operating for a full 24-hour period extending into consecutive days and sometimes weeks.
Respondents should bear in mind that the MCA will take a solution agnostic approach to the procurement and is open to different technological approaches, providing they can demonstrably meet the requirement to provide persistent maritime situational awareness in areas of need.
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2031
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79714000 - Surveillance services
- 60443100 - Air-sea rescue services
Engagement
Engagement deadline
30 January 2026
Engagement process description
This market engagement aims to gauge potential barriers to entry and eliminate them where possible, determine an appropriate funding envelope and construct the procurement and contract in such a way as to deliver a solution which represents good value for money.
Specifically, the MCA would like to understand:
a) The composition of the market for aerial search and surveillance services and its appetite to bid for this requirement;
b) Views on the Draft Single Statement of User Need ("SSUN"), setting out the MCA's user requirements, particularly in terms of feasibility and whether any requirements represent barriers to entry;
c) Views on the MCA's route to procurement and contracting, particularly whether there are any concerns around perceived barriers to entry in these areas: and
d) A cost envelope for delivering this service.
If you wish to particiopate in this consultation and have not previously engaged with the Authority you are required create an account on Jaggaer if you do not already have one.
The portal can be accessed using the following link
Once you have accessed the e-procurement portal, please navigate to pqq_710 - Provision of Aerial Surveillance for HMCG - Registration of New Interest, to register an interest. Once registered you will be sent further information.
If you have previously answered the Market Questionnaire, information will be sent via the Jaggaer portal and no further action is necessary.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Contracting authority
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCWN-9665-QVMZ
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG
United Kingdom
Contact name: Jonathan Nicklin
Email: Contracts@mcga.gov.uk
Region: UKJ32 - Southampton
Organisation type: Public authority - central government